Everett Golson, through his official statement at least, was apologetic and humble for his poor judgment that has led to an academic suspension from Notre Dame.

He says he plans to return to Notre Dame next fall, but there’s a long season and many days between now and then. That’s enough time, of course, for Golson to consider other options. Or, that’s the way at least one SEC school must be measuring the situation.

According to the Chicago Tribune, an unnamed SEC school contacted a person close to the Irish program to inquire about Golson. On that chance that the situation sours, or simply that Golson seeks to start fresh someplace else in 2014, the SEC school presumably wanted to let Golson know he could have options.

On Tuesday afternoon, coach Brian Kelly said that neither he nor anyone in the Notre Dame compliance office has been contacted by any school about Golson.

Golson completed 58.8 percent of his passes in 2012, starting for the Irish but frequently relieved in big moments by backup Tommy Rees. Golson possessed all of the physical tools coach Brian Kelly needed, but he wasn’t far enough along to execute the playbook as Rees could. The two played off each other and got Notre Dame to the BCS National Championship Game.

On Sunday, Golson said: “I take full responsibility for my poor choices and will do all that is asked of me to regain the trust of my family, friends, teammates, coaches and the entire Notre Dame community.” That doesn’t sound like someone ready to change addresses. But just in case…